Chapter 6: Farewell Fee

"Scared, huh?" the black-vested kidnapper sneered, "If you're scared, be obedient and listen." The kidnapper's intimidation made Bree shrink back and fall silent. "Cut the crap, let's get to work!" the bald kidnapper snapped at the black-vested one while lighting a cigarette. "Boss, we were doing fine in that rented apartment. Why rush back to this dump?" the yellow-vested kidnapper asked, puzzled. The bald kidnapper snorted, "You don't get it. That place is too crowded, too risky. One slip-up, and we're busted. The Goods are influential in Welton. Staying in one place too long is like asking for trouble." "You're smart, Boss!" the yellow-vested kidnapper praised, giving a thumbs-up. "We've survived and thrived under your leadership all these years." The bald kidnapper's brow relaxed, clearly pleased. "Boss, can we start now?" the black-vested kidnapper asked. The bald kidnapper nodded. "Make sure to film it well," the black-vested kidnapper instructed the yellow-vested one. "Don't worry, my filming skills are top-tier!" he replied confidently. "What are you filming?" Bree went pale, realizing their intentions, her body trembling. "Don't worry, missy, we won't lay a finger on you for now." The black-vested kidnapper laughed. Though slightly relieved, Bree still felt uneasy. "What kind of video are you making?" "You'll know soon enough!" he replied, drawing a knife and moving closer to Leo. Bree understood she was temporarily safe, but seeing the knife, she couldn't help but ask, "What... are you doing?" "We're gonna do the intimidation trick," he replied, moving closer to Leo. Bree muttered the words to herself, quickly grasping their meaning. They intended to record a murder video to intimidate her and her family into paying the ransom. Leo, too, understood the implication. He chuckled silently, amused that a King of Assassins like him was seen as a mere nobody to be slaughtered. If word got out, it would be a laughingstock in the underworld. "You guys talk about honor, but you don't keep your word?" Leo asked, expressionless. "What do you mean?" The black-vested kidnapper smirked. "You promised me a big payday for my help," Leo said. The black-vested kidnapper nodded, smiling. "I promised you a big sum, but it's not for the living—it's for the afterworld!"  He burst into laughter, joined by the others, whose laughter was filled with mockery and disdain. But they didn't notice Leo's face had turned as cold as ice, his eyes gleaming with a deadly chill. ***** "You can't hurt the innocent; my family will pay the ransom!" Bree shouted, horrified at their murderous intent. "It's not up to you but the old folks in your family. Without a show of force, they won't cough up," the yellow-vested kidnapper said, grinning as he filmed. These kidnappers clearly planned this meticulously, knowing the family's structure and dynamics well. "You're beasts, utterly ruthless!" Bree exclaimed angrily, understanding her words were futile against their calculated scheme. "Hey, beg for mercy, or they're gonna kill you!" Bree urgently called out to Leo, hoping he would plead and gain their sympathy. She didn't want him to die because of her. But to her frustration, Leo ignored her, his chiseled features and rugged handsomeness unyielding. "Hey, did you hear me?" she called again, undeterred. Leo remained unmoved. "This guy is such a blockhead!" Bree stomped her foot in frustration. The black-vested kidnapper stood before Leo, not attacking immediately but admiringly. "I've killed countless people, and you're the first to face death so calmly. I'll make an exception—any last words for your family? But remember, passing on a message isn't free; you'll need to give me all your money." Bree felt nothing but disdain and anger at these money-driven, heartless, shameless criminals. Leo murmured, expressionless, "I didn't want to invite slaughter, but you seem eager for death." His words made the kidnappers laugh uncontrollably. "Boss, this guy's clearly out of his mind, talking big when he's about to die!" the black-vested kidnapper laughed, tapping his temple. "How can you harm someone so foolish?" Bree pleaded, hoping their perceived belief in Leo's foolishness would spare him. She was convinced Leo was mentally unsound; no sane person would remain so composed in the face of death. "I agree," Leo said slowly. "Agree to what?" "The farewell fee!" The black-vested kidnapper pointed at Leo, laughing. "See, he's a fool! I was joking about the fee, and he took it seriously. Fine, if you agree, I'll help you if your money's right." "Since you're being cooperative, I'll make it quick and painless for you," he said nonchalantly, as if killing were as easy as slaughtering a chicken. "I think you misunderstood. I meant you should be paying me the farewell fee," Leo replied, looking directly at the black-vested kidnapper, dead serious. He should have ended the kidnappers then, but the black-vested one's mention of a fee piqued his interest—he needed money, after all. Everyone was stunned, unable to believe what they'd heard. Silence fell, broken only by the black-vested kidnapper's furious shout, "What did you say? Repeat that if you dare!" "I asked if you're deaf. My voice was loud and clear," Leo replied, his tone icy and impatient. "This guy's truly a madman! Kill him!" the yellow-vested kidnapper shouted in rage. The others were equally furious. Leo's defiance had angered them; no one had ever spoken to them so brazenly. "It's over! This fool is doomed for angering these outlaws," Bree thought, shaking her head in resignation. "I'll make you wish you were dead!" the black-vested kidnapper growled, about to attack when suddenly, the quiet driver jumped up, grabbed a long knife, and rushed at Leo, aiming for his gut. "When he gets mad, even the reaper trembles!" The kidnappers watched eagerly, bloodlust in their eyes. Bree shut her eyes, unable to witness the impending bloodshed. But instead of the sound of a knife piercing flesh, she heard a loud thud. "What's going on?" Bree mused. Startled, she opened her eyes. The scene before the woman left her speechless with shock. Leo stood there, untouched, the ropes that bound his hands now lying in pieces on the ground. The driver who attacked him lay ten meters away, blood pouring from his orifices, twitching—clearly beyond saving. The remaining kidnappers were frozen with fear and disbelief. The yellow-vested kidnapper checked the fallen man's pulse, his shock turning to rage. "Boss, he's dead!" "You killed my buddy; I'll shoot you now; let's see you dodge this!" Enraged by his buddy's death, the black-vested kidnapper whipped out a gun and aimed at Leo, pulling the trigger. But as he did, Leo flicked his foot, sending a twenty-centimeter steel rod flying like a bullet toward the black-vested kidnapper. Swish! The rod pierced the kidnapper's hand, sending the gun flying to the ground before he could fire. The black-vested kidnapper stood there, trembling, not from pain but terror. This man was too powerful! He shot the rod before the gun could fire, and his speed, strength, and accuracy were unmatched. He finally realized the man they'd captured wasn't a fool but a deadly opponent.